March 29, 2012

I Heart Dolls with Candy Hearts

Raggedy Ann was created in 1915 by Johnny Gruelle, a children's book illustrator. He made the doll for his daughter Marcella, who died from smallpox when she was only 13 years old. Raggedy Ann may have started out under tragic circumstances, but the handmade ragdoll with her bright red hair, blue calico dress, white pinnafore and bloomers is now an American icon.

Sewing Raggedy Ann dolls for fun and profit, is a great way to continue the tradition of this simple, yet extremely lovable doll. This pattern is available from Simplicity, and it is just one of many. This is the cutest one I've seen.